⸻Time seemed to crawl by as Emily, Jessica, Chris, and Ashley sat in silence, waiting for Sam and Matt to return with Mike and Josh. The room was filled with an oppressive tension, the weight of the night's horrors hanging over them like a suffocating shroud. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts, grappling with the fear and trauma that had transformed their once vibrant selves into shadows of who they used to be.
Emily glanced around, taking in the somber expressions of her friends. Ashley was rubbing her hands together compulsively, occasionally gripping her hair as she fought back tears and struggled to control her ragged breathing. The sight of her usually composed friend unraveling filled Emily with a deep sense of empathy. Jessica, on the other hand, looked utterly exhausted. Every time she tried to close her eyes, she would jolt awake with a panicked whimper, her body betraying the fear that gnawed at her insides. Emily felt a pang of sorrow for her, understanding all too well the torment of being unable to find peace even in sleep.
Chris, who normally would have been cracking jokes or offering comforting theories, was eerily silent. He had been staring at the same spot for what felt like hours, his mind seemingly trapped in a loop of tormenting thoughts. Emily recognized the look in his eyes—he was reliving the night's events over and over again, unable to escape the memories that haunted him.
And then there was Emily herself. She had always been strong, confident, and self-assured, but now she felt vulnerable and powerless. The flashbacks were relentless, dragging her back to the mines where she had been alone, terrified, and fighting for her life. She saw Beth's corpse, the image forever burned into her mind. She remembered the Wendigo's relentless pursuit, the searing pain in her shoulder—a permanent reminder of her close encounter with death. But the most painful memory of all was almost being killed by Mike, someone she had once loved deeply. The betrayal and hurt twisted inside her, filling her with a burning resentment. She wished nothing but the worst for him, hoping he would understand the pain and trauma he had inflicted upon her. In contrast, she longed for Matt's return, the one who had been there for her through it all.
Ashley checked her wristwatch—it was 6:25 am. Over an hour had passed since Sam and Matt had left. The silence was broken only by the ticking of the clock and the occasional creak of the old lodge. She hoped desperately that they would return soon, bringing Mike and Josh with them so they could finally escape this nightmare. She glanced over at Chris, who seemed to snap out of his trance. He hopped off the desk he had been sitting on, wincing in pain. Ashley rushed to his side, her concern for him momentarily overshadowing the animosity she felt from Emily's stare.
Ashley watched Chris as he struggled to stand, his face pale with pain. He looked towards the door, determination etched on his features. She rushed towards him, her concern evident.
"Are you okay?" Ashley asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"I'm fine, Ash," Chris snapped, not meeting her eyes.
Ashley didn't take Chris's harshness to heart. She understood his agitation. She watched as he walked towards the door, every step filled with determination.
"Chris, where are you going?" she asked, worry creeping into her voice.
"I'm going to find Sam," he replied, his tone resolute.
"Chris, are you nuts?! You can't go wandering around in that condition," Ashley protested, stepping in front of him to block his path.
"I'll take my chances. Our friends are out there, probably lost and defenseless," Chris said, his voice rising in frustration.
"Chris, you heard what Sam said—" Ashley began, but Chris cut her off.
"Christ! Ash! Do you not hear yourself?" he shouted, his anger boiling over.
"The bitch is right. They took that risk to go chase after that son of a bitch and the lunatic," Emily interjected, her voice dripping with bitterness.
Chris took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. He felt the weight of the night pressing down on him, the countless moments of fear and helplessness. He needed them to understand the urgency, the importance of sticking together.
"Listen to yourselves for a moment! Matt is out there, Emily. Mike, who despite everything, was still part of this group, is out there too, Jess. Sam, who's always been the one to hold us together, and Josh, who's clearly lost his mind but is still our friend... they're all out there. And they're counting on us just as much as we're counting on them," Chris said, his voice cracking with emotion.
Emily's eyes flashed with anger. "And what, Chris? We just risk our lives for them? You want us to wander around like idiots and get killed?"
Chris turned to face her, his eyes blazing. "We have to try, Emily. We can't just sit here and do nothing. They're our friends, our family. We owe it to them to at least try."
Emily shook her head, her frustration boiling over. "This is insane. You're insane! We've already lost so much. I can't—"
Chris cut her off, his voice firm but gentle. "I know you're scared, Emily. We all are. But sitting here, doing nothing, isn't going to make things better. We have to find them. We have to make sure they're okay."
Emily's anger slowly subsided, replaced by a weary acceptance. She looked around at the others, seeing the determination in their eyes. She let out a shaky breath and nodded.
"Fine. But we need to be smart about this. We can't just rush out there without a plan," Emily said, her voice still tinged with frustration but more controlled.
"Agreed. We'll take it slow and stick together. No one goes off on their own," Chris said, his tone resolute.
Emily glanced over at Jessica, her brow furrowed with worry, and she turned to Chris.
"Alright, fine. We go out there and try to find them," Emily said, her voice shaky but determined. "But what about Jess? She's the most injured of all of us. We can't just leave her here alone."
Chris looked at Jessica, his face softening with concern. "She's right. Jess, you're in no condition to move around much. But leaving you here by yourself isn't an option either."
Jessica tried to put on a brave face, but her eyes betrayed her fear. "I'll be okay. Just find the others and get us all out of here."
"No way," Ashley interjected. "We can't just leave you behind. What if something happens?"
Emily sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "So, what do we do? We can't carry her all the way through the mines. It's too dangerous for everyone."
Chris rubbed his temples, thinking hard. "I have an idea. What if Ashley and I go find them while you stay here and watch over Jess? You're both hurt, but at least this way we're not leaving her alone."
Emily's eyes widened slightly, and she felt a mix of relief and apprehension. "You really think you can find them on your own?"
Chris nodded. "I haven't been in these tunnels before, but I can follow the paths they took. If they left any signs or clues, I'll be able to track them. Ashley and I can handle it. It's the best way to keep everyone safe."
Emily looked between Chris and Ashley, then at Jessica, who gave her a weak smile of encouragement. "Alright," Emily finally agreed. "But if you're not back by dawn, we will go without you."
"We will," Chris promised, giving her a reassuring smile. "We'll be back before you know it."
Chris and Ashley leave the two ex-best friends alone as they trailed throughout the basement. Ashley looked back and then at Chris, who strode with pain but also determination. Her eyes glimmered with apprehension and hope. She really hoped that Chris made the right decision. She, too, had wanted to stay in the safe zone away from the chaos that swarmed them tonight, but she knew that her and Emily wouldn't last a second together as Emily would possibly lash out on her or yet hit her again. Ashley had already been dressed with a black eye from Josh being the psycho. She didn't need her face to be bruised even more. But in contrast, she was feeling slightly safe with Chris around her. This was their third time of the night being alone together exploring. Their bond grew warily over the night, as during the dreadful night, it brought them together and braved them to finally confess their love. Ashley looked at Chris's hand and slowly slid hers with his. Chris was startled slightly by the feeling of her soft hand, but it brought warmth to his cheeks as he glanced at the girl he had longed for. She gave a weary smile, which he returned.
"I hope that we are making the right decision," Ashley whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Chris squeezed her hand gently, trying to reassure her. "We have to do something, Ash. We can't just sit around and wait. They need us."
Ashley nodded, biting her lip. "I know. It's just... what if we get hurt? Or worse?"
Chris stopped and turned to face her, his eyes filled with determination and concern. "We've made it this far, haven't we? We've faced so much tonight, and we're still standing. We can do this. Together."
Ashley felt a surge of warmth at his words. She leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder for a moment. "You're right. We can do this."
Chris wrapped an arm around her, holding her close for a brief moment before they continued down the dimly lit corridor. The shadows seemed to close in around them, but their shared resolve kept the fear at bay.
As they walked, Chris couldn't help but reflect on the events of the night. The terror, the uncertainty, and the unexpected moments of connection and courage. He glanced at Ashley, who was deep in thought, her brow furrowed with worry. He admired her strength and resilience, even in the face of unimaginable horrors.
"We'll find them, Ash," Chris said softly. "Sam, Mike, Matt, Josh... we'll bring them back. And then we'll all get out of here together."
Ashley looked up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I believe you, Chris. I believe in us."
They continued their journey through the basement, their steps echoing in the silent, foreboding space. Every creak and groan of the old building set their nerves on edge, but they pressed on, driven by the hope of reuniting with their friends and escaping the nightmare that had consumed their night.
As they approached a junction in the corridor, Chris paused, looking down each path. "Which way do you think?"
Ashley glanced around, trying to get her bearings. "I'm not sure. Maybe we should listen for any sounds, see if we can hear anything?"
Chris nodded, appreciating her practical approach. They stood still, straining their ears in the silence. Nothing.
The silence was oppressive, pressing down on them as they navigated the narrow passageways. Chris could sense Ashley's anxiety growing with each step, her hand gripping his tighter.
In an attempt to distract her, Chris forced a nervous smile. "You know, Ash, after all this is over, where we are free from this nightmare and recovery, maybe we could, um, do something fun. Like, you know, go out. I mean, if you want to."
Ashley glanced at him, a flicker of surprise in her eyes before a blush spread across her cheeks. "Really? You'd want to go out with me?"
Chris chuckled softly, feeling his own cheeks heat up. "Yeah, I would. I mean, we've already been through hell together. A date should be a piece of cake in comparison."
Ashley's lips curved into a shy smile. "I'd like that, Chris. I really would."
Chris returned the smile. "Great. Let's find everyone so we can escape."
The moment of levity was short-lived as an eerie sound echoed through the tunnels, freezing them both in place. Chris stepped forward cautiously, his eyes scanning the darkness ahead. The guttural growls and clicking noises of the Wendigos sent a shiver down his spine.
"Stay close," Chris whispered, inching forward to peer around the corner. His breath caught in his throat as he spotted two Wendigos lurking ahead, their emaciated forms moving with unnerving speed and agility.
The creatures' heads snapped in their direction, and Chris knew they'd been spotted. "Run!" he yelled, grabbing Ashley's hand and sprinting back the way they'd come.
They raced through the tunnels, their footsteps echoing wildly. Chris and Ashley knocked over crates and debris in their path, desperate to slow the Wendigos down. The creatures' shrieks grew louder, closer, spurring them to move faster.
Reaching the basement door, Chris threw it open, practically shoving Ashley inside before slamming it shut behind them. They piled furniture and boxes against the door, their breaths coming in ragged gasps.
Emily and Jessica looked up, alarmed by the sudden commotion. "What's going on?" Emily demanded, her voice edged with panic.
Chris turned to Emily and Jessica, his face pale but determined. "We can't stay here. We have to go, now."
Emily's eyes widened. "I knew it! But where? We can't outrun those things!"
Chris grabbed her shoulders, his grip firm. "We don't have a choice. They're breaking through. We need to get to the upper part of the lodge. It's our best chance."
Jessica, still weakened from her injuries, struggled to her feet. Emily moved to support her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I've got you," Emily said, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes.
The barricade behind them shuddered as the Wendigos threw themselves against it. Splinters of wood and metal clattered to the floor. The four of them exchanged a final, desperate glance before making a break for the basement door.
Chris led the way, pushing the door open and holding it for the others. "Go, go, go!" he urged.
Emily half-carried, half-dragged Jessica through the doorway, followed closely by Ashley. Chris brought up the rear, slamming the door shut behind them. They could hear the Wendigos tearing through the barricade, their shrieks filling the air with terror.
⸻Matt, Sam, Mike, Josh, and Kida were now trudging through the backyard of the lodge, their bodies aching and shivering from the cold. The harrowing ordeal of surviving the wendigo in the water had left them all on edge, but somehow, they had made it. Kida's quick thinking had saved them, but as they moved closer to the lodge, she couldn't help but worry about the others waiting in the basement. She hadn't seen them in hours and feared the worst. This night, her nineteenth birthday, had turned into a nightmare of horror and survival, far removed from any ordinary day she had ever known.
Sam and Mike led the way, their steps quick and purposeful. Kida walked side by side with Josh, who seemed to be drifting further into his own thoughts with each step. His panic had subsided, but the haunted look in his eyes had not. Matt trailed behind, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.
Kida glanced at Josh, the boy she had once considered a brother. His silence was unsettling. Gone was the Josh who made terrible jokes and had a dark, playful humor. In his place was someone broken, consumed by madness. She felt a deep sorrow for him, but there was also anger simmering beneath the surface. How could he have put them through this? How could he have put her through this?
With shaky hands, she placed a gentle touch on his back, trying to ground him, to bring him back to the present. Josh flinched slightly but then turned his gaze to meet hers. There was a flicker of recognition in his eyes, a brief moment of clarity.
"Were you ever going to come find me?" Kida asked, her voice trembling.
Josh's eyes widened, his mouth opening and closing as if struggling to find the words. "I... I..."
"Would you have left me there to die, Josh?" Her voice cracked, the weight of her words pressing down on her chest.
"I don't know... I wasn't myself at all tonight," Josh finally managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. The admission hung heavy in the cold air between them.
"You don't know how much pain you've caused me," Kida continued, her voice growing more resolute. "All this time, I thought you were taking time to heal. To grieve. But the whole time, you were just plotting to get vengeance for your sisters."
Josh's face twisted with a mix of guilt and confusion. "I thought... I thought I could make them feel what I felt. I thought it would make the pain go away."
Kida's eyes filled with tears, but she didn't let them fall. "But it didn't, did it? It just made everything worse."
Josh looked down, his shoulders slumping. "I know. I know it was wrong. I just... I didn't know how to stop. I was lost, Kida."
Kida sighed, her breath visible in the cold night air. "Josh, I will always care about you, but what you did... it's something I can't just forget. You hurt us all, and you put my life in danger. You need help. Professional help. And until you get it, I can't be around you."
Josh's eyes filled with tears, his face a picture of devastation. "I understand, Kida. I never meant for you to get hurt. I just... I didn't know how to handle my pain."
Kida nodded, her own emotions swirling inside her. "I know, Josh. But I need to protect myself now. I need to move on from this, and you need to get better."
Josh hesitated for a moment before nodding, the realization of his actions sinking in. "I'll do whatever it takes. I promise."
Kida gave him a bittersweet smile, her heart aching. "I hope you do, Josh. I really do."
They continued walking in silence, the lodge looming closer. Sam glanced back, her eyes full of concern. "How's he holding up?"
Kida sighed. "He's hanging in there. We all are."
They walked up the mini patio steps to open the door, but it was locked. Suddenly, they heard a shriek nearby, causing alarm. Matt instinctively held Kida protectively as everyone's eyes darted around, weary and alert.
"Josh, do you have the key to the house?" Mike asked urgently.
Josh shook his head, his voice strained. "No... I must've dropped it in the mines."
"Guys!" Sam called out, referring to Ashley, Chris, and Emily. "Open up!"
Mike turned to Josh, giving him an apologetic look. "Sorry, Josh, I promise to get it repaired for you."
With quick thinking, Mike grabbed a rock and threw it through the door window, reaching through to unlock it. They all hurried inside, shutting and locking the door behind them.
Sam held Josh's hand, offering him some comfort. Matt and Kida heaved a sigh of relief, finding solace in the familiar surroundings of the lodge. The warmth of the building enveloped them, a stark contrast to the biting cold they had endured outside.
Sam turned the light on, but Mike quickly switched it back off.
"Not good," Mike muttered, peering cautiously through the darkness.
Sam frowned, her voice edged with anxiety. "What do you think we should do?"
Mike ran a hand through his hair, trying to think clearly despite the adrenaline still coursing through him. "We should check the basement. That's where everyone is."
Josh, who had been silent and lost in his thoughts, looked up, his voice trembling. "W-Why the basement?"
Sam turned to him, her expression softening slightly. "Because of those things lurking out there, it's not safe to be in a place where they can spot us. The basement is our best bet."
Matt, standing protectively beside Kida, nodded in agreement. "Help should be on its way by now."
Kida shivered, more from the cold fear than the chill in the air. "I hope so," she murmured.
They trailed to the cinema room, the lingering shadows adding to the eerie ambiance of the lodge. Kida gripped Matt's hand tightly, an overwhelming mix of exhaustion, hunger, and relief coursing through her veins. Matt, noticing her distress, gave her a hopeful smile, his eyes reflecting the warmth and comfort she needed.
"Hang in there, Angel," Matt whispered, his voice gentle yet firm.
"I'll try," Kida replied, her voice barely audible.
Matt squeezed her hand reassuringly. "We... we did good tonight, didn't we?"
Kida looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Yeah. I'm proud of you, Matt. You finally broke out of that shell and started doing what's best for you."
A soft smile played on Matt's lips. "And I finally got what's best for me."
Kida chuckled softly, the sound like a melody in the tense silence. "You swooped in and took me away from all those guys out there waiting on Kida Sinclair."
Matt grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. "I had to. They can't handle you."
Kida raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Guess you can back it up."
"Um, hell yeah. I know you front and back. And we fit perfectly," Matt said, his tone filled with confidence.
"Don't get too cocky now," Kida warned, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Just sayin'," Matt retorted, a mischievous smile on his face.
They exchanged a few giggles, their laughter a brief respite from the horrors they had endured. Matt put his arm around her, pulling her close.
As they all trailed into the media room, the relief of their chances of survival vanished. The room's oppressive silence was shattered by the sound of panicked footsteps. Chris, Ashley, Jessica, and Emily came barreling into view, their faces masks of sheer terror.
"Go, Go, Go!" Chris yelled, his voice strained with urgency.
Ashley echoed the sentiment, "Run!"
Ashley stumbled, nearly colliding with Emily, who was desperately trying to support Jessica. Emily, her patience worn thin, shoved Ashley toward the door, propelling them all through the media room. Kida's eyes widened as she took in the sight of her friends—disheveled, in pain, wounded, and utterly exhausted. She realized just how much she had missed while facing her own ordeals.
Mike, his voice laced with panic and frustration, demanded, "What the fuck is going on?!"
Ashley, her voice trembling, replied, "The wendigos!"
"For fuck's sake!" Kida exclaimed, her dread mounting as the familiar shrills of the wendigos echoed from the basement, growing louder with each passing second.
Without hesitation, Mike sprinted to aid Jessica, while Sam, thinking quickly, slammed the door shut and grabbed Josh, pulling him toward the stairs that led back to the living room. Kida and Matt followed closely behind, their hearts pounding in sync with their frantic footsteps.
The banging from the media room door echoed behind them, a constant reminder of the impending danger.
"We need a plan!" Sam's voice was urgent, her eyes wide with fear.
"Where do we go?! These wendigos are fucking everywhere!" Matt's voice trembled with frustration and desperation.
Kida's eyes were sharp with determination. "Guess we don't have much of a choice but to fight."
They reached the top of the stairs and were met with a horrifying sight. Everyone else was frozen in place, their eyes wide with fear, their bodies tense with anticipation. Sam, Kida, Matt, and Josh stopped abruptly, curiosity and terror etched on their faces.
"Don't move... don't fucking move a muscle," Mike hissed, his eyes fixed on the chandelier above.
Kida's heart pounded erratically as she followed Mike's gaze. Hanging from the chandelier was the wendigo from the mines, its grotesque form silhouetted against the dim light, searching for its next prey. Kida's breaths came out in rapid, shallow bursts as she struggled to keep herself quiet.
Matt squeezed her hand, his grip clammy with sweat. His throat tightened, and sweat dripped from his forehead. He had thought they were free from this torment, but the nightmare was far from over.
Josh trembled as he saw the Wendigo who he revealed to be his sister battled another Wendigo. He still questioned if it was all in his head or was it reality. The dominant wendigo overpowers the other Wendigo and throws him into the stairs, breaking them, and then to the fireplace, breaking a gas pipe in the process.
Matt and Kida winced slightly as they still didn't move from their position. Kida heard Josh whimpering and cautiously nudged him.
Josh didn't look but he noticed her gesture. He heard the soft echoes of her shushing him and he complied.
The smell of the gas filling the air made everyone nauseous as the effects made them lightheaded. They had to escape. They watched Mike creep his way over towards the fireplace which caused them to watch in confusion.
"What is he doing?" Matt whispered, his voice barely audible.
Kida watched Mike's movements, her heart racing as realization dawned on her. "He's going to ignite the gas," she whispered back, her eyes widening.
"No... no... no," Josh muttered, his voice trembling. "This can't be real."
Kida tightened her grip on his arm, trying to ground him. "Josh, focus. We need to get out of here. You need to stay with us."
The Wendigo that was knocked towards the fireplace recovered and climbed up the wall, the dominant wendigo following close behind. Mike froze in place as the wendigos turned towards his direction, their milky white eyes scanning for any sign of movement. When they didn't sense anything, the wendigos turned their attention to each other. The dominant wendigo leaped onto the railing of the upper floor, and the other followed. In a swift, brutal move, the dominant wendigo grabbed the other by the head, smashing it to the ground before decapitating it with terrifying precision.
Matt gagged slightly, feeling bile rise in his throat. He forced himself to keep his composure, though the sight was something that would haunt him for a long time. He realized that the horror they were facing was far from over. How the hell were they going to escape this nightmare?
Meanwhile, Jessica, Emily, Ashley, and Chris watched from their hiding spot, trying desperately not to be detected. The tension was thick in the air, their breaths held as they observed the wendigos engaging in a brutal fight for dominance. The sound of their claws scraping against the floor and the guttural growls sent shivers down their spines.
Chris swallowed hard, hoping that the stranger's journal and his words about staying still and quiet would save them in this life-or-death situation. He could see the raw power of the creatures, their sheer ferocity as they fought to prove who was the strongest. The sight was horrifying and mesmerizing all at once.
Chris glanced to his left and noticed the patio door slightly ajar. A flicker of hope ignited within him. He knew they had to make a move. With a slight "pst" to get the girls' attention, he began to whisper as quietly as possible, his eyes never leaving the wendigos.
"We should escape through the door while they're distracted," Chris suggested, his voice barely audible over the sound of the creatures' battle.
Emily's eyes widened in fear. "What about the others?!"
Chris looked determined. "They'll catch on. We don't have much time."
Jessica, her voice trembling, added, "I want to get out of here."
Chris nodded, his mind made up. "I'll go first, okay? Follow me as soon as it's clear."
Emily, looking pale and nauseous from the gas, whispered urgently, "Make it quick. The gas is making me sick."
Sam slowly walked back, her breath shallow, every step measured. But the wood beneath her creaked, the sound cutting through the tense silence like a knife. The wendigo, once Hannah, screamed in Sam's direction, its hollow eyes locking onto her.
She froze, cursing herself silently. Her mind raced with the consequences of that one misstep. She hoped that Mike would make it to the lightbulb in time so they could all run for it. The gas filling the room made her head spin, but she focused on staying perfectly still.
Kida saw the wendigo turning towards Sam. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she knew she had to act fast. With quick thinking, she grabbed a snow globe from a nearby shelf and hurled it across the room toward the far left. It shattered with a loud crash, drawing the wendigo's attention away from Sam. The creature let out a guttural growl and stalked towards the noise.
Sam exhaled a shaky breath of relief, giving Kida a nod of gratitude. Kida returned the gesture with a tight, reassuring smile, but her mind was still racing. She could feel Matt's grip tightening around her hand, grounding her amidst the chaos.
Suddenly, Kida noticed Chris, Emily, and Jessica creeping back slowly out the patio door. The moment the coast was clear, they hurried out stealthily, their movements quick and silent as shadows.
Her attention snapped back as she saw Mike reaching for the lightbulb. The faint cracking sound echoed in the room, drawing the wendigo's attention instantly. It turned its head, its hollow eyes locking onto Mike, who froze in place, barely daring to breathe.
Kida's heart pounded as she saw Ashley edging towards the door, trying to escape. Her steps were cautious, but fate wasn't kind. The floorboard beneath her creaked loudly, causing the wendigo to snap its head in her direction. The fear and panic on Ashley's face were palpable, her eyes wide with terror as the creature began to move towards her.
Sam, seeing the impending danger, took a deep breath and called out, "Hey!"
The wendigo screeched, its horrific cry reverberating through the room as it redirected its path towards Sam. The blonde stood her ground, buying Ashley precious seconds to make her escape. Kida watched in horror and admiration as Sam faced the monster, her bravery a beacon in the midst of chaos.
It was five of them left. Kida mentally tried to figure out what's next. She could help Josh escape. Matt was behind her as he had moved slowly during the scene unfolding. Mike was already on the move of escaping. Suddenly, another wendigo appeared and the other wendigo started battling it, giving everyone time.
Kida grabbed Josh's hand and started moving cautiously to the door. Matt was already at the door, waiting for Kida. He motioned for her to hurry up. But as Kida tried to hurry, Josh lost his footing and collapsed on top of her, causing the tension to spike. Kida cursed to herself as Josh breathed heavily, but she covered his mouth and told him to lay still.
Matt watched in horror as the thud caused the dominant wendigo to look in their direction. His heart pounded, tears welling up in his eyes. He felt utterly helpless, unable to protect the woman he loved and his friend. Kida kept whispering to Josh, her voice urgent but soft, telling him not to move. Josh's eyes, wide with fear, locked onto hers. He complied, his body trembling but still.
They heard footsteps running to a side of the lodge, drawing the wendigos' attention. The creatures crept toward the noise, their predatory instincts kicking in. The tension was palpable, every second stretching into an eternity.
Kida felt the weight of Josh's body lift as Matt and Mike pulled him off her. They moved quickly, their movements synchronized in their desperation.
And then there were two. Kida saw the wendigo peek around a corner, its grotesque form silhouetted against the flickering light of the lodge. Its back was turned to her, but she knew it wouldn't stay that way for long. She couldn't leave Sam. Sam was her best friend, and the fact that she was risking her life to help them escape was something Kida couldn't ignore. She needed to repay the favor.
Reaching into her pocket, Kida pulled out the dynamite, her fingers trembling with a mixture of fear and determination. She clutched it tightly, her jaw set. She couldn't let the wendigos win. Not after everything they had been through.
The wendigos diverted to the other side of the lodge, their shrill screeches echoing through the halls as they continued their savage battle. Kida's heart pounded in her chest, each beat a painful reminder of the stakes. Suddenly, she saw Sam sprinting across the room, the wendigos immediately darting after her.
"Sam, hurry!" Kida's voice was a desperate whisper, knowing that shouting would draw the monsters to her as well.
She stood just outside the doorway, her mind racing. This was it. The moment that would determine their survival. She lit the dynamite, the fuse hissing as it burned down. With a deep breath, she threw it into the room, aiming for the heart of the chaos.
Seconds later, a deafening roar of explosion tore through the lodge. The force of the blast was like a physical blow, knocking Kida off her feet. The shockwave sent debris flying in all directions, flames licking at the wooden beams and consuming everything in their path. Sam's body collided with Kida's, the impact sending them both tumbling down the stairs in a painful, uncontrolled descent.
Kida's vision blurred as she hit the cold ground, her body aching from the fall. She could hear the crackling of flames and the distant, fading screeches of the wendigos as the explosion did its work. Pain shot through her limbs, but she forced herself to move, to reach out for Sam.
"Sam, are you okay?" Kida's voice was hoarse, her throat dry from the smoke and dust.
Sam groaned, pushing herself up on shaky arms. "I'm... I'm here," she gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "What... what happened?"
Kida managed a weak smile, relief flooding through her. "We did it. We got them."
The two friends helped each other to their feet, leaning on one another for support. The lodge was a blazing inferno behind them, a symbol of the nightmare they had survived.
Matt, Mike, Josh, Ashley, Chris, Emily, and Jessica had been knocked off their feet by the force of the explosion. They lay scattered across the snow-covered ground, groaning and trying to regain their bearings.
Matt was the first to scramble to his feet, his eyes frantically scanning for Kida. He spotted her and Sam in front of the lodge, covered in soot and debris but alive. He rushed over to them, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and relief.
"Kida! Sam!" he called out, his voice shaking.
Kida looked up, her eyes meeting Matt's. She felt a surge of emotion as she saw the worry etched on his face. "We're okay," she assured him, though her own voice trembled.
Mike, helping Jessica to her feet, looked back at the burning lodge, then at his friends. "Holy shit," he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "You guys did it."
Emily stood up, wincing as she put weight on her injured leg. Chris, gritting his teeth against his own pain, helped Ashley to her feet.
Ashley's voice trembled, barely above a whisper. "I-Is it over?"
Chris nodded, his voice shaky. "I-I think so."
Sam, her eyes filled with relief and exhaustion, spoke softly, "We did it, guys..."
Mike, still in shock, let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "I thought that it'd never end."
The weight of their survival hit them all at once. Tears of happiness and relief flowed freely as they realized their nightmare was finally over. Jessica collapsed into Mike's arms, both of them sobbing uncontrollably. Chris and Ashley hugged tightly before sharing a heartfelt, tearful kiss, their bond cemented by the horrors they had faced together.
Sam, her heart swelling with gratitude and relief, hugged Kida tightly, then moved to Matt, wrapping him in a warm embrace. Matt's eyes, still filled with the lingering fear and adrenaline of the night, softened as he returned Sam's hug. He then turned to Kida, pulling her into a tight embrace. He looked deeply into her eyes, his gaze filled with unspoken emotion and relief.
"I'm so proud of you," Matt whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
Kida smiled through her tears. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Matt leaned in and kissed her, a kiss filled with all the emotions of the night—fear, relief, love, and gratitude. When they finally pulled away, their foreheads touched, and they shared a moment of silent understanding and connection.
"I love you," Matt said softly, his voice barely audible over the crackling fire.
"I love you too," Kida replied, her voice equally soft but firm.
As Sam moved to hug the others, while Matt went to hug Emily as he spun her around as they give a bittersweet chuckle. Kida had assumed that their bond was being mended which was good at least. She then glanced towards Chris, Ashley, and Jessica who gazed in astonishment that she was alive. She hugged them all as they returned the gesture, feeling a brink of resolve.
Kida's attention was then drawn to Josh, who had started walking slowly toward the burning lodge. His eyes were vacant, filled with a deep despair that resonated with Kida. She understood that this place, now engulfed in flames, held countless memories for him—both cherished and haunting. As he fell to his knees, sobbing in agony, the rawness of his grief was palpable.
The group, sensing Josh's profound sorrow, stopped and turned their attention to him. Their expressions were a mix of empathy, sorrow, and, for some, lingering resentment.
Kida, feeling her own tears well up, walked over to Josh. Despite everything, she couldn't help but feel a deep connection to him. She knelt beside him, wrapping her arms around his trembling form. He leaned into her embrace, his sobs wracking his body.
One by one, the others joined the hug. Chris and Sam were next, followed by Jessica and Mike. Matt, struggling with his anger and the desire to comfort his friend, hesitated for a moment. But then he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around the group. Emily and Ashley hesitated before joining in too. The embrace was a silent acknowledgment of their shared trauma, a promise that, despite everything, they would face whatever came next together.
As they held each other, the sound of the helicopter's blades slicing through the air reached their ears. The rhythmic thumping grew louder, a promise of rescue and the end of their nightmarish ordeal. They pulled apart slightly, looking up to see the helicopter descending through the early morning light, its searchlights cutting through the lingering smoke from the burning lodge.
The thudding of the helicopter blades was almost drowned out by the collective sighs of relief. The finality of the rescue brought a fresh wave of tears. For a moment, their chaos truly seemed to be ending.
Sam helped Josh to his feet, his legs shaky but his eyes holding a glimmer of hope that hadn't been there before. She squeezed his hand, silently promising that they'd get through this together.
Matt and Kida shared another brief kiss, their foreheads resting against each other as they whispered reassurances. Kida's eyes, which had held so much fear and determination, now sparkled with the promise of a future beyond this night.
"I told you we'd make it," Matt said, his voice a mixture of pride and relief.
Kida nodded, her voice steady despite the tears. "Yeah, you did."
Mike, still holding Jessica, watched the helicopter with a fierce determination. "We're getting out of here," he said, his voice filled with the promise of survival. Jessica nodded, clinging to him as though he was her lifeline.
Chris and Ashley stood together, their hands intertwined. They shared a look of mutual understanding, knowing that the horrors they'd faced had brought them closer than ever. "We did it," Chris whispered, pressing a kiss to Ashley's forehead.
Ashley nodded, her eyes never leaving the helicopter. "Yeah, we did."
Emily, standing a bit apart, felt a mixture of emotions. The relief of survival was tinged with the knowledge that their lives had been irrevocably changed. She looked at the group—her friends, her allies—and felt a sense of solidarity that hadn't been there before.
As the helicopter touched down, a team of rescuers emerged, their voices filled with urgency and authority. They approached the group, checking for injuries and guiding them toward the helicopter. The survivors moved as one, supporting each other as they made their way to safety.
Kida paused for a moment, looking back at the burning lodge one last time. The memories of the night, the fear, the pain, and the small triumphs, all played through her mind. She felt Matt's hand on her shoulder and turned to see him watching her with understanding eyes.
"It's over," he said softly, squeezing her shoulder.
Kida nodded, letting out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "Yeah, it's over."
They boarded the helicopter, the promise of a new beginning and the healing of old wounds waiting for them. As the helicopter lifted off, carrying them away from the horrors of the mountain, the sun began to rise, casting a hopeful light over the scene of their survival.
Interrogation Room
⸻Kida Sinclair - Room Three - 7:23 AM
"I couldn't breathe..I was trapped inside of the coffin as I had thought that Josh was dead. I heard his screams, sawblades, it was so much."
"Trapped in a coffin, you say? Sounds a bit theatrical, don't you think?"
"It wasn't a performance. It was real. Josh was the one who put me in there. He was trying to scare us, get revenge."
"So, you're saying Josh orchestrated all this? Why would he do that?"
"He wanted to punish us for the prank we pulled on his sisters. He's been hurting ever since they went missing."
"And now he's conveniently mentally unstable. How do we know this isn't just a cover for something more sinister?"
"He's not faking it. He's been through hell, just like the rest of us. You have to believe me."
Next Clip
"Your friend, Matt, told me that you sacrificed yourself in the mines while running from this 'Wendigo.' Care to explain?"
"It was the only choice I had. The Wendigo was right behind us. If I didn't do something, we would have both been caught."
"Sacrificed yourself, huh? Sounds pretty dramatic. Are you sure you're not just trying to cover up something else?"
"Dramatic? You think I wanted to fall into that darkness? I was trying to save Matt."
"So, you're saying you intentionally put yourself in harm's way? Why would you do that?"
"Because I couldn't let them die. Not after everything we'd been through."
"Convenient hero act. But you survived, didn't you? How do we know you didn't orchestrate all this to look like a hero?"
"For fuck's sake! You have no idea what we went through. That thing... it was real. And it was trying to kill us."
Next Clip
"What is this Wendigo that everyone keeps mentioning? Is this some kind of joke?"
"A joke? You think we'd joke about something like this? Do you think I'd lie about almost dying multiple times tonight? This isn't some goddamn campfire story, it's real!"
"I need you to understand how this sounds, Ms. Sinclair. A mythical creature hunting you in the mountains? It's hard to believe."
"I don't care if it's hard to believe. It's the truth. We saw it. We fought it. And we barely made it out alive."
⸻Kida stormed out of the interrogation room, her breath coming in sharp gasps as she tried to collect her thoughts. Talking to the detectives had felt like slamming against a brick wall, their skepticism and disbelief a palpable force. She wandered into the waiting room, where Sam, Emily, Ashley, Chris, Mike, and Matt were sitting, each lost in their own tumultuous thoughts.
Sam was the first to notice her presence. She got up and embraced Kida tightly, a gesture of solidarity and comfort. The others lifted their heads, their eyes filled with shared exhaustion and relief.
"You alright?" Sam asked, her voice gentle but filled with concern.
Kida shook her head, the frustration evident in her furrowed brow. "I'm getting there. The detective didn't believe me."
"Same here," Sam admitted, letting out a weary sigh. "I just don't understand what we have to lie about."
Kida glanced around at the others, their expressions mirroring her own weariness. She noticed the haunted looks in their eyes, the unspoken trauma that they were all grappling with. "I'm just ready to head home and try to forget that this shit ever happened."
Emily, who had been staring blankly at the floor, looked up. Her face was pale, her eyes hollow. "That makes two of us."
Kida looked around the room again, noticing someone missing. "Where's Jessica and Josh?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"Jessica was rushed to the hospital for her injuries," Sam replied, her voice softening. "We have to go too, as soon as they gather more ambulances."
Kida's heart sank at the thought of Jessica's condition. She had seen the brutal aftermath of what Jessica had endured, and the image still haunted her. "A-and Josh?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Sam's face darkened, a shadow of sorrow passing over her features. "They have him contained. He's going to be transported to a mental institution."
Kida couldn't help but notice a tear escape Sam's eye. The blonde girl had always been strong and supportive to her friends in need, but now Kida saw the depth of her pain. Sam's eyes, usually so full of determination, were clouded with sorrow. Kida sensed there was more to Sam's feelings for Josh than she had realized. She touched Sam's shoulder tenderly.
"Aww, Sam," Kida whispered, her voice filled with empathy.
Sam gave a bitter smile, trying to lighten the mood with a joke that fell flat. "I can always visit him, right? That's what visitation is for..."
Without a word, Kida hugged her tightly. Sam returned the embrace, a few more tears escaping as she clung to her friend. Kida also missed Josh, but she knew she couldn't accept him back until he was completely healed, both mentally and emotionally.
"Make sure you take care of him," Kida said softly. "Keep him grounded."
Sam nodded, wiping her tears away. They broke the hug but kept their gazes locked, finding strength in each other.
"I'm going to, um, clean myself up," Sam murmured, her voice still shaky.
Kida nodded and trailed over to sit beside Matt. She took his hand and leaned her head on his shoulder, finding solace in his presence.
Matt squeezed her hand gently. "I've never seen Sam cry before."
"She'll be okay," Kida replied, her voice firm. "She always pushes through."
Matt looked down at her, his eyes filled with a mix of admiration and concern. "You're right. And we all will push through."
Kida adjusted herself in the seat, trying to find a comfortable position in the police station waiting room. The hard plastic chairs offered little in the way of comfort, and every minute seemed to stretch on endlessly.
"Can't wait to meet the coziness of my bed," Kida murmured, her voice tinged with exhaustion.
Matt chuckled softly beside her. "Damn straight. I'm probably going to hibernate for a good week."
Kida smiled, the corners of her mouth lifting despite her weariness. "Aye, I don't blame you."
Matt turned to her, his expression softening. "Angel..."
Kida looked up at him, her eyes tired but curious. "Yes, Matthew?"
Matt took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving hers. "Will you be my girlfriend?"
Kida's eyebrows shot up in surprise, a playful smile spreading across her face. "Matthew? I thought that you'd never ask. I mean, I was expecting flowers, chocolates, a nice serene setting, but this will do just fine-"
Matt laughed, shaking his head. "Okay, okay. I'll take you on a proper date when we recover."
Kida's teasing smile softened into something more genuine. "I'm teasing, rookie. Of course I'll be your girl."
Matt's face lit up with relief and happiness. "My girl. I like the sound of that."
Kida leaned her head against his shoulder, feeling a sense of peace settle over her despite the chaos of the night. "Mhm."
Emily stood up and stretched, the fatigue of the night still evident in her movements. She glanced over at the coffee machine in the corner of the waiting room and then at Kida. "Hey, Kida. Want to join me for a coffee?"
Kida eyed Emily suspiciously, remembering their heated arguments during the trek to the fire tower. They hadn't exactly been friends, and Kida wasn't sure what to expect. But then Matt gave her a reassuring nod, his eyes telling her it was okay to let her guard down, at least for a moment.
With a sigh, Kida got up and followed Emily to the coffee machine. They stood in awkward silence for a few moments, the hum of the machine filling the air as it brewed their drinks.
Emily took a deep breath and finally broke the silence. "Look, I know we haven't exactly been on the best terms. I was a bitch, during everything. Hannah's prank, the disappearance of Hannah and Beth, and just overall. I was... wrong."
Kida raised an eyebrow, her skepticism still lingering. "Really? You're admitting that now?"
Emily gave a small, humorless laugh. "Yeah, I am. And you were right during our argument at the fire tower. I was so caught up in my own issues that I didn't see the bigger picture. I didn't see how much everyone else was hurting."
Kida smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "I guess my slap knocked some sense into you, huh?"
Emily rubbed her cheek reflexively, a faint smile playing at her lips. "Yeah, I guess it did."
As Emily poured herself a cup of coffee, she continued, her tone softer. "You and Matt... you fit each other perfectly. I always noticed the chemistry between you two, even before everything happened. I wished I could take back the pain I caused him and do better, but no matter what, he would always love you more."
Kida stood silently for a moment, processing Emily's words. It was a rare moment of vulnerability from someone she had always seen as abrasive and self-centered. Finally, she allowed a sassy smile to creep onto her face. "Alright, Emily. I guess I can forgive you. Just don't expect me to go easy on you from now on."
Emily chuckled, a genuine sound this time, and nodded. "Fair enough."
Kida poured herself a cup of coffee and took a sip, savoring the warmth. "You know, I never really understood why you were always so... hostile. It's like you had this wall up all the time."
Emily sighed, her expression thoughtful. "I guess I was scared. Scared of getting hurt, scared of losing control. When Hannah and Beth disappeared, it felt like everything was falling apart, and I didn't know how to handle it."
Kida nodded, understanding. "We were all scared. But putting up walls doesn't help anyone. If anything, it just isolates you more."
Emily looked down at her coffee cup, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah, I see that now. I just wish I had seen it sooner."
Kida placed a hand on Emily's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It's never too late to change, Em. We all make mistakes. What's important is that we learn from them and try to do better."
Emily met Kida's eyes, a small smile forming on her lips. "Thanks, Kida. I appreciate that."
They stood there for a moment, the tension between them easing. It wasn't a complete resolution, but it was a start. As they made their way back to the waiting room, Kida felt a sense of hope. They had all been through hell, but maybe, just maybe, they could start to heal together.
Stay tuned for the epilogue. It does get a lot...spicier from here. Thank you all for reading this as it concludes the mountain's chaos. I did allow Josh to live, but he still has to take repercussions. I also like to add how got to add depth to certain characters and have a moment where they all shine as it still remains relevant to the main couple. I find it quite interesting that I ship my OC and Matt versus Emily and Matt or Matt and Jessica. Biased? Could be.
until next chapter!
-NZURI